Denim by Melissa Hoyer . . .

If there is one piece in all of our wardrobes that we are always trying to find the 'best' of, it has to be denim. Jeans are an absolute wardrobe staple for all of us, no matter whether you're a working mum, a stay-at-home mum, a student, grandma or cool-skool funster. Denim is it. Wearable. Comfortable. And so affordable.

But how do you find the perfect fit? Choices are endless but here are a few tips that should make choosing your next pair a little bit easier.

*Higher 'rise' jeans are good for those who may have a tummy or a bit of muffin-top that they may want to hide. But don't go too high-waisted as you may end up looking really rounded around the bum and tum areas. Just a cm or two below the belly button is perfect.

*Low-rise jeans give you body a longer, leaner look but nothing looks worse than a jelly belly hanging over your waistband. It's not a good look on anyone, young or old!

*Boot-leg jeans or slightly flared legs will balance wide shoulder, larger hips or bigger breasts.

*Go for a darker denim as it is much more flattering and slimming. Leave the really light denim to taller, slimmer and younger wearers. Leave 'trend' denim finishes like laminated, dirty and acid washed denims to, well, those who can get away with it!

*The most flattering jeans are those that follow the natural curve of your body while flattering the good spots and taking any away any focus on the bad spots. You can make your legs look longer by making sure your hem reaches the top of your shoe in a straight leg; or totally covers your heel if you are wearing a boot-cut.

*Make sure you indulge in jeans with a bit of stretch as this will give your body great shape and also makes it a bit easier to move around in.

*Please, please avoid Brokecrack Mountain and Camel Toe - they are two places you don't want to go and will happen if your jeans either rise too high up the front, or too low down the back.

Velour separates . . . . Melissa Hoyer

With the first hints of winter come the days of dragging out your flannelette pj's . . . and your favourite everyday velour pieces too!

The velour tops and pants that make up everyone's favourite - a tracksuit - have really came into their own when the cool and funky Juicy Couture label made it fashionable to wear your tracksuit, nearly anywhere. And when celebs were spotted wearing them (spookily, sometimes with high heels and lots of hair) the allure of velour was complete.

But, there are a few cardinal rules when it comes to wearing your velour pieces and the first and major one is pretty simple. Keep The Colour Simple. It's when you start mixing say, a pink pair of velour pants with another colored hoodie that 'style' goes a bit haywire.
The second piece of advice is to buy the right size and not to go too undersized. Nothing worse than a bit of pre-winter padding over-flowing from your velour pants.

At $29.95 a piece, the new season velour hoodies and pants that have just landed in store come in perfect tones of midnight, black and charcoal. They are pretty much perfect weekend and leisure wear and you can wear velour hoodies with some favourite jeans and velour pants with a t-shirt.

So, whether you're working in front of the computer at home, getting the kids sorted or taking a whirl down to the shops, you can also wear your velour back with denim proving they are the perfect pieces for running or lazing around . . . . . Enjoy!

The Trench...

Whether it has been 'in fashion' or not, I have always been a huge fan of the trench coat.


While its origin may lay in the fact it was worn by the British army in World War One, or a coat worn to protect you from fairly ordinary weather (no wonder the 'Burberry' trench is one of the best fashion sellers in Europe and the US) it can be easily adapted to suit our autumn and winter climates.


And that is speaking from the experience of someone who has had one in her wardrobe, for day and night wear, for many years!





Australian designers have re-interpreted 'the trench' as a much more light-weight, user-friendly (and essential) part of our winter wardrobes, to the point you can have a few in a couple of colours and no matter how often you wear it, you never feel you are wearing the same thing, a million times over.


The trench, in all its long-sleeve, above-knee length, big-lapel glory, has evolved into a great piece for you new season wardrobe. Whether you choose to wear it with a favourite pair of jeans (with a t-shirt, skivvy or tailored shirt underneath) or simply on its own, with a pair of killer high heels (and not much else) if ever there was a winter wardrobe essential, this is it.


The trench is one of those wardrobe pieces that can be trick 'up' or 'down', no matter where you wear it and I am always proving that theory to myself. I'll wear a red trench with jeans and boots to drop my son to school then to go onto a meeting or a work gig. Or I'll trick one up and wear my black one with some heels, a cool brooch and some leggings or black opaque tights.


Let me know what you can do or what you think of your new season trench from crossroads . . . . . . .I am seriously loving mine!

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FASHION FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE

Your size is not important, but how the piece of clothing fits is. Enter the ‘different body type discussion...

Women’s body shapes are broken down into four categories they are lettered A, T, H and X

The "A" body shape (also referred to as the pear shape) is when you carry the majority of your shape in the hip region

"Technically an A" body types are defined by: The hip measurement being the largest, when calculated using a measuring tape. Women with A body types usually have quite narrow waist and bust in comparison. Often there is around a 5% difference between shoulder to hip ratio.

To dress an A body type you will want to stick to classic or darker colors on the bottom in comparison to the top. Stay away from back pockets on your jeans and tops with collars. All of these suggestions take attention away from the lower half and makes a more proportioned look.

How do I know if I am a "T" body shape?

Women with "T" body shapes look like a" T"; it is quite self-explanatory. A busty physique or broad shoulders with the waist and hips not creating any curves.

You will know if you are a "T" body shape because it is characterized by :The shoulder or bust measurements being the largest. There will usually be a 5% difference between the hips and shoulders, with the shoulders being the widest part.
How do you dress a "T" body shape?

You will want to take attention away from thee shoulders as much as possible. Avoid sleeveless shirts or tank tops. It is good to emphasize a small waist line. Bangles are a good eye-catcher and since they would be parallel to your hips it creates a curve affect. You will want to do the opposite of the A body shape and use light on the bottom combined with dark top and this will divert attention from the shoulders and adding to a curvier silhouette. A good item for a T shape are wrap dresses, ones that cinch in tighter at the waist and flow out.

How do I know if I am an "H" body shape?

For "H" body types the hip and shoulder measurements are the same or, quite close to it. If you are an "H" body shape you have a straight “up-and-down” build with few curves.

If you have an"H" body shape then you want to create curves for a nice silhouette. Fitted waist belts are great to create a nice waist line. Low embellishments on the hip line will can add volume to the hips thus making waist smaller by comparison. Suit pants are a classic staple to a wardrobe that can elongate the leg and create a nice curve.

The "X" Body Shape is the quintessential curvy women. She has bust/shoulders and thighs/ butt. Yet, even the curvy body type has some no-no styles for the body type.

How do I know if I am an "X" body shape?

An “X” body shape is characterized by the shoulder and hips having no more than a 5% differential.
X body shapes should keep their hips and shoulders balanced. Boxy cuts that hide your shape and overly tight or exposing clothes.

Remember, women’s fashion can be characterised by anything, and when we think of what looks good it is most often for how it fits! Next time you are at your local crossroads store, ask one of our team to help you out...With a focus on your budget and your body shape, our team can gladly help you build a strong wardrobe with great items! crossroads, affordable fashion from sizes 8 - 24!

FASHION FOR YOUR PURSE

Creating a great outfit can be a daunting process. Even the fashionista’s do not always get it right!

At some point we have all gone shopping with intentions to buy that fancy new dress, only to be distracted, daunted even overwhelmed?

I have had situations where I have set off (brief in mind, but without any clear plan) and have ended up buying everything but what I set out to buy. Or worst still, bought something that within 10 minutes or wearing it hating it and cringing every time the photos come out of me in ‘that dress’!

To launch the crossroads blog spot, we thought it best to start with some tips on how to navigate successfully the ‘fashion or faux pas roundabout!

Firstly, sit down, get that cup of coffee, some paper, a pen, and stay calm!

Now ask your self? How many occasions are you going to wear the planned item? Less than 10 times? Is it a staple? Does it need to match other things in your wardrobe? What are the styles that you like and look good on you? Is this suitable for spring/summer/winter/autumn? Do you need accessories with the item? Shoes?

By being honest with yourself when answering these questions you will save money, and build a better wardrobe.

The first point that you should always consider while shopping should be your budget. Think about your pocket and then think about how-to look good with money still in it. Stick to it and don't drift away on anything that does not go with your budget.

The second point to consider is research? The best shopping experience is often done with knowledge and research also in your pocket!

Third point; colour is incredibly significant. Prefer a color that you have become fond of or that you know is in style and classic; like natural tones and black. Another color suggestion would be to pick colors for which you previously have accessories to accessorize. Shoes, handbags, jewellery, even make-up make initial impressions are superior suggestions!

Crossroads new Blog

At crossroads, we have an outfit for every occasion, ensuring you get the latest look without the expensive price tag.

From fast fashion and staple fashion items such as black dresses and winter cardigans to leisure wear and shirts, pants and skirts for work, crossroads, has your wardrobe covered.

We have also recently released our stylish, yet comfortable XRD denim range. With a great price tag to boot, our XRD denim jeans, skirts and jackets will definitely turn heads!